Web Designer, Communications and Marketing Services

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Web Designer, Communications and Marketing Services

Company: Foundation for California Community Colleges

Location: California, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Web Design / UX/UI Design / Digital Marketing Operations

Date Posted: March 26, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-level (Estimated 2-5 years)

Remote Status: Fully Remote (Must reside in California)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead responsive web page design and user experience (UX/UI) for digital initiatives, translating user needs and program goals into accessible and engaging online experiences.

• Drive the design and specification of interaction and motion for web elements, enhancing clarity, user action, and modern digital interactions.

• Partner closely with development teams to ensure high-fidelity execution of designs from concept through launch, acting as a bridge between creative and technical implementation.

• Develop and maintain build-ready documentation, including organized Figma files, component systems, and detailed handoff specifications for efficient development workflows.

• Contribute design capacity to broader digital marketing campaigns and projects, supporting the Foundation's mission to enhance the California Community Colleges system.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Web Designer," the description heavily emphasizes UX/UI, interaction design, and collaboration with developers. This role is positioned as a design-focused individual who understands the development process rather than a pure front-end developer. The focus on "build knowledge into design decisions, cleaner handoffs, faster iteration, and stronger outcomes" suggests a need for operations-minded thinking in streamlining the design-to-development pipeline.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead UX/UI and page-level web design in Figma, translating complex requirements into clear, accessible, and responsive digital experiences aligned with user needs and program objectives.

• Design scalable page sections and reusable components, ensuring organized, build-ready Figma files and comprehensive documentation to support efficient development handoffs and maintain design consistency.

• Define detailed interaction and motion specifications for web experiences, including component states, transitions, and micro-interactions, to improve user understanding and engagement.

• Actively partner with Tech Solutions developers throughout the implementation lifecycle, participating in working sessions to resolve technical constraints and ensure high-fidelity execution from initial design to final launch.

• Collaborate with Project Marketing Specialists and various program teams to thoroughly understand project goals, target audiences, content requirements, and page success criteria, effectively incorporating feedback into the design process.

• Contribute design expertise to broader digital marketing efforts and campaign work as needed, demonstrating versatility across various creative projects.

• Ensure all web designs adhere to accessibility standards and best practices, promoting inclusivity and equitable access to digital resources.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design leadership and operational efficiency in the design-to-development process. The emphasis on "build-ready documentation," "reusable components," and "efficient handoff" points to a need for systematic design thinking, which is a core tenet of operations roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in UX/UI Design, Web Design, Graphic Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), or a related field; or equivalent practical experience demonstrating mastery in web design principles and practices.

Experience: Demonstrated experience partnering with developers through the entire implementation process, including iterative review cycles and pre-launch verification, is crucial. A strong portfolio showcasing successful web design projects and collaboration with engineering teams is expected.

Required Skills:

• UX/UI Fundamentals: Deep understanding of information architecture, user flows, interaction design principles, component systems, and usability-minded decision-making for optimal user experiences.

• Web Design Fundamentals: Strong foundation in typography, visual hierarchy, grid systems, responsive design patterns, and content-first layout strategies.

• Figma Proficiency: Expert-level skills in Figma, including components, auto layout, variants, libraries, prototyping, and creating detailed file documentation for development handoff.

• Interaction & Motion Design: Proficiency in designing for web, including micro-interactions, UI transitions, component state systems, and purposeful movement that enhances user understanding and task completion.

• Front-End Development Knowledge: Working knowledge of front-end development concepts and constraints, including semantic HTML, CSS layout techniques (flexbox/grid), and common JavaScript-driven UI behaviors.

• Developer Collaboration: Comfort and experience partnering with developers in iterative build environments, including conducting staging review cycles and documenting issues clearly and constructively.

• Mission-Driven Mindset: A strong desire to impact and improve lives, particularly within the higher education sector, and a commitment to equity.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with accessibility standards (WCAG) and implementation.

• Familiarity with project management tools and agile methodologies.

• Basic understanding of content strategy and SEO best practices as they relate to web design.

• Experience working within a non-profit or educational institution environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize practical application and collaboration, particularly the "demonstrated experience partnering with developers through implementation." This suggests the company values candidates who can translate design intent into functional reality and actively participate in the build process, aligning with operations' focus on execution and process efficiency.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase at least 2-3 complex web design projects that demonstrate UX/UI thinking, responsive design implementation, and successful collaboration with development teams.

• Clearly articulate your role and contributions in each project, especially highlighting how you bridged design and development.

• Include examples of detailed handoff documentation, Figma component libraries, or interaction/motion specifications.

• Highlight projects where you translated user needs and program goals into functional, accessible web experiences.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples or descriptions of how you document design specifications and interaction behaviors for developers.

• Detail your process for collaborating with development teams during implementation, including review cycles and issue resolution.

• Illustrate your method for incorporating feedback from stakeholders and program teams into design iterations.

• Showcase your approach to ensuring high-fidelity execution and usability of final web products.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio is critical. The emphasis on developer collaboration and build-ready documentation suggests that candidates should showcase their process for streamlining the design-to-development pipeline, mirroring operations' focus on efficiency and clear handoffs. Demonstrating how a portfolio item led to faster iteration or stronger outcomes would be highly beneficial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $70,000 - $75,000 annually.

• Explanation: This range is provided by the employer. For a Web Designer role with strong UX/UI and developer collaboration skills, based in California and working remotely for a non-profit in the education sector, this range appears to be competitive for mid-level positions, particularly considering the organization's mission and the "remote-first" philosophy which can sometimes influence compensation structure.

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation package.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays.

• Comprehensive health coverage including Medical, Dental, and Vision plans.

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) for healthcare expense management.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support services.

• Wellness offerings to promote employee health and well-being.

• Participation in the CalPERS retirement program, a robust public pension system.

• Optional 403(b) and 457 Retirement plans for additional savings.

• Tuition reimbursement program to support continued education and professional development.

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) certified employer, potentially assisting with student loan repayment.

Working Hours: Full-time position, likely aligning with standard business hours (e.g., 40 hours per week). The "remote-first" philosophy suggests flexibility in daily scheduling, provided that core collaboration hours and project deadlines are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is explicitly stated. The benefits are comprehensive, particularly for public sector/non-profit roles, including strong retirement and loan forgiveness benefits that are highly attractive to mission-driven candidates. The mention of a "remote-first" philosophy implies a degree of schedule flexibility, which is often a key consideration for operations professionals balancing project demands with personal needs.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education Support / Non-profit / Philanthropy. The Foundation for California Community Colleges operates within the vital sector of public higher education, aiming to enhance student success and economic mobility.

Company Size: The description implies a substantial organization given it supports over 70 programs and partners, and mentions a "state agency" scale. LinkedIn data (if available) would confirm this, but it suggests an environment with established processes but also a drive for innovation.

Founded: While not explicitly stated, the Foundation for California Community Colleges has been active for a significant period, supporting the vast California Community Colleges system, which itself is a long-standing institution. This suggests a blend of established operational frameworks and a forward-looking mission.

Team Structure:

• The Web Designer is part of the Creative Team within the Communications and Marketing Services Unit.

• This unit likely comprises specialists in various communication disciplines (writing, design, digital strategy, etc.).

• The role reports to the Associate Director of Marketing and Creative Services, indicating a hierarchical structure within the team.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: The role translates "requirements into clear, accessible, responsive experiences aligned to user needs and program goals," implying a data-informed approach to design decisions.

• Process Optimization: Emphasis on "scalable page sections and reusable components," "organized, build-ready Figma files," and "efficient handoff" points to a focus on optimizing the design-to-development workflow.

• Collaborative Implementation: Partnering with developers "throughout implementation" and resolving "constraints" showcases a problem-solving and iterative approach to bringing designs to life.

Company Website: https://foundationccc.org/ (Derived from domain_derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as a blend of non-profit impact, startup entrepreneurship, and state agency scale. This unique combination suggests an environment that values both mission-driven work and innovative problem-solving, with an emphasis on expertise and professional development. For an operations-minded candidate, understanding how these different elements integrate will be key.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Web Designer with a strong UX/UI and developer collaboration focus. It's a specialized role within the Communications and Marketing Services Unit, responsible for the critical interface between creative design and technical implementation. The scope includes leading design for complex, stakeholder-driven projects supporting numerous programs.

Reporting Structure: The Web Designer reports to the Associate Director of Marketing and Creative Services. This structure suggests a clear line of management and oversight, with opportunities to learn from experienced leadership in marketing and creative strategy.

Operations Impact: The Web Designer's work directly impacts the Foundation's ability to communicate its mission, support its programs, and enhance the student experience across the California Community Colleges system. By ensuring high-quality, accessible, and functional web experiences, this role contributes to the Foundation's overall effectiveness in achieving its goals of expanding pathways to economic and social mobility. Efficient design handoffs and strong developer partnerships translate directly to faster project delivery and better resource utilization, which are key operational metrics.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in UX/UI design, interaction design, motion design, and Figma mastery.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Develop stronger collaboration and influence skills by partnering closely with marketing specialists, program teams, and technical developers.

• Process Improvement: Contribute to refining the design-to-development workflow, potentially leading initiatives for better tools or documentation standards.

• Higher Education Sector Expertise: Gain in-depth knowledge of the California Community Colleges system and the unique communication challenges and opportunities within higher education.

• Advancement: Potential pathways to Senior Web Designer, UX/UI Lead, or similar roles, or transition into related operational roles focused on digital project management or marketing operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role emphasizes a critical operational function within a creative team: ensuring that designs are not only aesthetically pleasing but also technically feasible, efficient to build, and effectively executed. Growth opportunities should focus on how this role contributes to the operational efficiency of the marketing unit and the broader organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The organization operates on a "remote-first" philosophy, meaning the primary work environment is virtual. While headquarters are in Downtown Sacramento, this role is fully remote and requires residency within California.

Office Location(s): While headquartered in Sacramento, this position is designated as "US CA Remote," meaning the employee can work from any location within California. This broad geographical reach is typical for remote roles designed to attract talent across the state.

Workspace Context:

• Virtual Collaboration: The environment is heavily reliant on digital communication and collaboration tools, requiring strong remote work etiquette and proficiency.

• Technology Focus: Access to design software (Figma), project management tools, and communication platforms is essential. The organization likely provides or supports the necessary technology infrastructure.

• Team Interaction: Regular virtual meetings, team check-ins, and collaborative sessions with designers, marketers, and developers will be a key part of the daily workflow, fostering a connected, albeit distributed, team environment.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week) are expected. The "remote-first" approach may offer some flexibility in daily start and end times, but core availability for team collaboration, client meetings, and project deadlines is paramount.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "remote-first" nature of the organization is a significant aspect of the work environment. This means candidates must be self-disciplined, proactive in communication, and comfortable leveraging digital tools for all aspects of their work, which aligns well with the operational demands of a distributed team.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review, likely focusing on resume, cover letter (if requested), and portfolio links.

• Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: A deep dive into the candidate's portfolio, discussing specific projects, design decisions, UX/UI rationale, and crucially, how they partnered with developers. Expect questions on Figma proficiency, responsive design strategies, and interaction design.

• Skills-Based/Case Study Challenge: Candidates may be asked to complete a design exercise or a small case study related to a typical challenge faced by the Foundation or within higher education web design. This could involve designing a specific page component or outlining a UX flow.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with the Associate Director of Marketing and Creative Services, potential team members, and perhaps representatives from Tech Solutions or program teams to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and communication skills.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss overall fit with the organization's mission and strategic goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your UX/UI skills, responsive design capabilities, and developer collaboration experience. Prioritize projects with clear problem statements, user-centered solutions, and tangible outcomes.

• Tell the Story: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your process, the design solutions, and the results. Emphasize your role in bridging design and development and how your work contributed to project success.

• Highlight Process: Showcase your Figma file organization, component systems, and interaction/motion specifications. Explain why you made certain design choices, especially those that facilitate development.

• Accessibility & Usability: Ensure your portfolio projects demonstrate an understanding and application of accessibility standards and usability best practices.

• Concise Handoff Examples: Include visual examples or descriptions of build-ready documentation you've created.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: Research the Foundation for California Community Colleges, its mission, and the types of programs it supports. Consider the unique needs and audiences of community college students and stakeholders.

• Focus on Process: For any design challenge, outline your step-by-step approach, from understanding requirements to delivering a polished, build-ready design.

• Demonstrate Collaboration: Think about how you would communicate with developers, project managers, and other stakeholders during the challenge.

• Efficiency & Scalability: Consider how your proposed solutions are efficient to implement and scalable for future use.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on developer collaboration and "build-ready documentation" means candidates should prepare to discuss their workflow for handing off designs. This is a key operational aspect of the role, so demonstrating an understanding of efficiency and clear communication in this phase will be critical.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: This is the core design tool mentioned extensively. Proficiency in components, auto layout, variants, libraries, prototyping, and file organization for handoff is essential.

• Adobe Creative Suite (Potentially): While Figma is primary for web design, familiarity with Photoshop, Illustrator, or After Effects for asset creation or motion design might be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics Tools (e.g., Google Analytics): While not a primary responsibility, understanding how website designs perform and impact key metrics (user engagement, conversion rates) is important for informed design decisions.

• Data Visualization Tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, or built-in Figma analytics): For understanding user behavior and design effectiveness.

CRM & Automation:

• CMS Platforms (e.g., WordPress, Drupal): Familiarity with content management systems where websites are built is beneficial for understanding design constraints and deployment.

• Email Marketing Platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, HubSpot): May be involved in broader digital campaign work, requiring understanding of email design best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma as the primary tool is critical. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their mastery of Figma's advanced features, especially those that support design systems and efficient developer handoffs, as this directly relates to operational efficiency in the design pipeline.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven Impact: A core value is contributing to the improvement of student experiences and expanding pathways to economic and social mobility. Operations professionals are expected to align their work with this significant mission.

• Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Employees are encouraged to be creative and entrepreneurial in achieving organizational goals, suggesting an environment that supports new ideas and proactive problem-solving.

• Collaboration & Equity: Strong emphasis on working collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders, with a commitment to equity in all aspects of work.

• Data-Informed Decision Making: The role requires translating requirements into designs aligned with user needs and program goals, implying a data-driven approach to design and strategy.

• Efficiency & High-Fidelity Execution: The focus on "build-ready documentation," "cleaner handoffs," and "high-fidelity execution" underscores a value placed on operational excellence and quality outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The Web Designer must work seamlessly with Project Marketing Specialists, Tech Solutions developers, and program teams, requiring strong communication and partnership skills.

• Iterative Feedback Loops: Collaboration involves iterative review cycles with developers and incorporating feedback from various stakeholders, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: As part of a creative team and a broader organization, sharing design insights, best practices, and lessons learned is likely encouraged to foster growth and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The blend of innovation, mission-driven purpose, and operational efficiency is key. Candidates should articulate how their process-oriented approach supports these values, particularly in ensuring high-quality, impactful digital experiences are delivered efficiently.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Vision with Technical Constraints: Effectively translating creative ideas into feasible web experiences that align with development capabilities and project timelines.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Synthesizing feedback and requirements from various program teams, marketing specialists, and technical leads into cohesive design solutions.

• Ensuring High-Fidelity Execution Remotely: Maintaining design integrity and quality assurance throughout the development process in a fully remote setting.

• Adapting to Evolving Digital Standards: Staying current with web design trends, accessibility best practices, and front-end development advancements to ensure modern and effective user experiences.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Design Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in advanced UX/UI, interaction design, and motion graphics through workshops or courses.

• Process Improvement Initiatives: Contribution to refining the design-to-development workflow, potentially leading to operational efficiency gains.

• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Gaining insights into marketing strategy, program management, and technical development through close collaboration.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Potential support for attending relevant design or UX conferences, or pursuing certifications in specialized areas.

• Mentorship: Learning from senior leaders within the Communications and Marketing Services Unit and within the broader Foundation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are operational in nature, requiring strategic thinking and process refinement. Growth opportunities should be framed around how the candidate can leverage these challenges to develop operational skills and contribute to the team's efficiency and effectiveness.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing a responsive web page for a complex stakeholder-driven project. How do you ensure it meets user needs and program goals?" (Focus on your systematic approach, user research, and iterative design.)

• "Walk me through a time you had to partner with developers to overcome a significant design constraint. How did you approach the problem, and what was the outcome?" (Highlight your collaboration, problem-solving, and technical understanding.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about the Foundation for California Community Colleges' mission, and how do you see your role as a Web Designer contributing to it?" (Connect your skills to the organization's purpose and values.)

• "How do you approach collaboration within a remote, cross-functional team, especially when working with developers and marketing specialists?" (Emphasize your communication, proactivity, and teamwork skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly present the problem, your role, your process, the solution, and the results. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Developer Handoff: Specifically show examples of your build-ready documentation, Figma component libraries, or interaction specifications. Explain why these elements are crucial for efficient development.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved user engagement, reduced bounce rates, faster load times).

• Showcase Figma Mastery: Demonstrate your proficiency in Figma's advanced features that support design systems and efficient workflows.

• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Anticipate questions about your design decisions, your understanding of front-end concepts, and your collaboration methods.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the interview preparation should heavily emphasize the operational aspects of design: process, documentation, collaboration, and efficiency. Candidates should be ready to discuss how their design workflow integrates seamlessly with development and contributes to faster, higher-quality project delivery.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-aligned Web Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords such as UX/UI Design, Figma, Responsive Design, Interaction Design, Developer Collaboration, Build-Ready Documentation, and Accessibility. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 strong projects that best showcase your skills in UX/UI, responsive design, and crucially, your experience partnering with developers. Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates your process for creating build-ready documentation and reusable components.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your design process, your problem-solving approach, and the operational impact of your work during interviews. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your portfolio that illustrate efficient design handoffs and successful developer collaboration.

• Research the Foundation: Understand the mission, values, and programs of the Foundation for California Community Colleges. Consider how your design approach can support their goals of enhancing community college education and student mobility.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.